'It was all a shock': Days of our Lives icon reveals cancer diagnosis
Suzanne Rogers, a fan-favourite star on hit soap Days of Our Lives, has opened up about a difficult chapter in her life.
The 82-year-old actress – who has played the iconic Maggie Horton on the long-running show for more than five decades – revealed she was diagnosed with stage two colorectal cancer earlier this year.
Rogers has been on the show, which follows the lives of several prominent families in the fictional US midwestern town of Salem, for a staggering 52 years.
The star has opened up about her journey with stage two colorectal cancer. Getty
It is the longest-running American television show of all time, with 15,000 episodes spanning almost 60 years.
Rogers told TV Insider she initially noticed something "wasn't quite right" with her health. She went straight to her doctor, who ordered an MRI, PET scan and biopsy.
But after undergoing these tests, Rogers received the news no one wants to hear.
"He said, 'You have cancer and you have to start treatment,'" she shared.
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The star was diagnosed early this year, and has since been undergoing treatment. Getty
She has faced health difficulties previously, resulting in a year-long hiatus from the show. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via
Following her diagnosis this year, Rogers began daily radiation and chemotherapy treatments for six weeks – which happened to coincide with Days of Our Lives' production hiatus in June.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekends because I didn't have to see a doctor. I was so tired of seeing doctors."
Despite the demanding schedule post-diagnosis, Rogers stayed focused on her recovery, leaning on co-stars Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton) and Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis).
Rogers co-stars supported her through her treatment. NBC
"Linsey sat with me during an infusion and held my hand," Rogers revealed. "We'd go out to lunch or dinner afterwards. I knew I could count on them – it was a lovely experience on and off set."
By late July, Rogers had completed her treatment and is now preparing to return to work on Days of Our Lives next week.
Other castmates, including Mary Beth Evans, Stephen Nichols and Greg Rikaart, have also reportedly sent their love and well wishes as she heads back to the studio.
She joins a growing list of stars who have spoken candidly about their own cancer journeys – including Aussie favourites Hugh Jackman and Kylie Minogue, as well as Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross, all of whom have used their platforms to raise awareness and encourage regular health checks.
Hugh Jackman has previously opened up about his own battle with skin cancer in 2013. Instagram
Aussie icon Kyle Minogue has also discussed her breast cancer diagnosis in the past. Getty
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